Dubrovnik: Elafiti Islands Private Speedboat & Cave Swim

Three Islands, One Boat, No Crowds: The Elafiti Speedboat from Dubrovnik

You board a private speedboat from your Dubrovnik hotel and spend the day island-hopping through the Elafiti archipelago: swimming in sea caves, snorkeling in bays, and anchoring at Šunj beach on Lopud. The boat includes snorkeling gear, drinks, and a flexible itinerary you shape as you go. You return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon or evening depending on which option you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sveti Jakov Beachpass by
2. Elaphite Islands1h

Private speedboat tour of Elafiti islands

• Private transfer to port
• Visit Kolocep island and explore villages
• Explore caves and swim near The Abyss lighthouse
• Visit Lopud island and its sandy beach Šunj
• Relax on Šunj beach and enjoy nearby restaurant
• Visit Sipan island and explore vineyards and towns

The experience

You're standing on the Dubrovnik waterfront with a free afternoon and a choice: join the crowds on the city walls, or slip out to the islands nobody talks about. The Elafiti Islands speedboat tour is what you pick when you want the Adriatic to yourself. A private boat means no schedule except the one you set. You decide whether to spend more time in the caves near the Abyss lighthouse or longer on Šunj beach, the only sandy beach most people don't know exists near Dubrovnik. The boat picks you up from your hotel or apartment, no separate transfer to arrange, and heads straight out.

The route itself changes depending on how much time you have. The full day takes you to all three main islands: Kolocep first, the smallest and quietest, where churches dating back to the 9th century sit among pine forests and the population is around 250 people. Then Lopud, where Šunj beach stretches long and shallow with water so clear you can see the bottom, and a 17th-century monastery overlooks the harbor. Last is Šipan, the largest at 15.5 square kilometers, known for olive oil production and vineyards where locals still run tasting shops. If you're short on time, the 4-hour option covers Kolocep and Lopud instead. Either way, you're swimming in caves, snorkeling with equipment provided, and stopping at bays that don't appear on the main tourist maps.

The caves are the part that stays with you. Once you pass the Abyss lighthouse, the boat slows and you're looking at rock formations that only make sense from the water. The Blue Cave is the famous one, but there are others: smaller, less crowded, just as strange. You get time to swim, snorkel, explore the openings yourself. Drinks are on board: water, soda, beer, wine. Cash payment, €100 per person. The drone footage option is there if you want to capture it from above, though honestly the memory is enough.

What’s included

• Private hotel or apartment pickup in Dubrovnik, private speedboat to the Elafiti Islands, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and access to three islands (Kolocep, Lopud, Šipan on the full day.
• Kolocep and Lopud on the 4-hour option), sea caves, Šunj beach, and swimming stops. Drone footage is available as an add-on.

Options for this experience

2 options

4-hour Elaphiti Islands tourGuide in English · 09:00 and 13:00Lasts 4 hours; includes pickup

8-hour Elaphiti Islands tourGuide in English · 09:00Lasts 8 hours; includes pickup

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 92

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Adriatic Infinity

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the islands around Dubrovnik without arranging a rental boat or joining a group: the private speedboat and flexible itinerary mean you spend your time in the water and on the beaches instead of coordinating logistics or waiting for other passengers.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

133 verified traveler reviews

5 ★131

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Elafiti Islands speedboat tour?

Two options: 4 hours (Kolocep and Lopud) or a full day (Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan). Timing depends on which islands you want to visit.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel or apartment pickup in Dubrovnik, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and access to all three islands and caves. Drone footage is optional.

Is Šunj beach really sandy?

Yes. It's the only significant sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area and is known for shallow, clear water. It's popular with families and people who want to relax rather than climb rocks.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you choose which caves and beaches to explore. The boat crew can advise on water conditions.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller to the boat.

What's the Blue Cave like?

It's a sea cave you enter by boat, famous for its blue-tinted water. You can swim and snorkel inside. It's the most well-known cave on the route but not the only one you'll visit.

Is the boat really private?

Yes. This is a private speedboat tour, not a group boat. You and your party have the boat to yourselves, which is why the itinerary can be customized.

What if I get seasick?

The Elafiti Islands are close to Dubrovnik, so the boat ride is relatively short and the sea is usually calm in summer. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes, but snorkeling equipment is included, so you don't need to bring your own unless you prefer it.